HIV still high in the country

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday March 11, 2014 15:39

When officially opening the Centre of Youth of Hope (CEYOHO) on Saturday that the Botswana Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Impact Survey of 2004 recorded an HIV prevalence of 6.5 percent among 15-19 year olds.

'This figure dropped to 3.7 percent in 2008 and rose marginally to 4.7 percent in 2013. This is telling us that transmission is happening albeit not at an alarming rate. Even more revealing and disheartening is that HIV prevalence among 20-24 year olds was more than two fold in 2013, at 10.3 percent' he said.

The minister said major challenges to this achievement include alcohol and substance abuse, stigma, intergenerational sex and other forms of risky behaviour, to name but a few. He said these pose major challenges for the youth now, but as they grow older and become more independent in their thinking and actions, they should develop good decision-making skills and they will be better equipped to avoid taking part in such behaviour.

He said government would continue to provide the necessary tools to help organisations implement various programs aimed at addressing challenges faced by young people.  The minister applauded CEYOHO for continuously placing young people not only as service recipients but also as leading implementors in all its activities.

'You have the energy that can direct as well as propel the process to achieving our goal of an AIDS free Botswana. Without your active participation, the fight against HIV would continue to be a major challenge to us. I urge you to be exemplary by not engaging in activities that can promote contracting and spreading of HIV,' he said.

He appealed to parents, teachers, church leaders and others to ensure that they collectively mentor young people and mould them into responsible adults.